Strontium 340 mg by Ortho Molecular Products

Strontium citrate for bone density is most relevant if your DXA scan (the standard bone density test) shows low bone mass, especially after menopause or with long gaps in weight-bearing exercise. It’s also considered when you can’t tolerate or prefer to avoid bisphosphonates. You’ll get the most from strontium if Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is adequate and calcium intake from food is steady, because low vitamin D or very low dietary calcium can blunt any benefit.

Strontium behaves like calcium in the skeleton, attaching to the mineral matrix and nudging the balance toward more building and less breakdown. In clinical medicine, the prescription form (strontium ranelate) reduced fractures; the supplement form (strontium citrate) is used off-label with similar goals, though direct fracture data are limited. One catch: strontium makes DXA readings look higher than they truly are. Track bone turnover markers like CTX (a bone resorption marker) and P1NP (a bone formation marker) to see real biologic change.

Take one capsule twice daily, away from minerals. For absorption, separate strontium from calcium, iron, and magnesium by at least two hours, and avoid taking it with dairy. Two capsules per day provide the 680 mg elemental dose commonly used in bone trials. Expect marker changes within 3 to 6 months and meaningful bone density decisions at 6 to 12 months. Keep eating calcium-rich foods and maintain vitamin D, just not at the same time of day as strontium.

Avoid strontium if you have significant kidney impairment, are pregnant or nursing, or are still growing. Use caution and speak with your clinician if you have a history of heart disease or blood clots; cardiovascular safety concerns were seen with prescription strontium ranelate, and data for citrate are more limited. If your Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy is low, correct that first. If GI upset occurs, take with a small snack that’s low in calcium and reassess.